Cuba's reaction to alleged kidnapping examined

Gus Garcia left his birthplace, Cuba, more than 20 years ago. Even though he's in the midst of opening his Copa Cabana restaurant in Abacoa, he always has time to talk Cuban politics.

"Everybody Cuban (will be) very happy in this country when Cuba and America again have this relationship," said Garcia.

The diplomacy between the island nation and the United States has become a topic of conversation since Cuba quickly sent two American children and their parents, who are accused of kidnapping, back home.

"Things are thawing a little bit, getting a little bit better," said Lynn University international relations professor Marcheta Wright. "Certainly since Fidel Castro has stepped down from power, his brother is being much more flexible."

Wright points out that Cuba has no extradition policy with the United States, so returning the family is more than just about following a treaty or the law. Leaders in Havana used to offer refuge to Americans fleeing justice. Even before this case that started to change, said Wright.

"It's an attempt for the Cuban government to say, 'We respect the law; we're ready to adhere to international law,'" said Wright.

As Garcia spent the day preparing the restaurant, another Cuban-born friend stopped to pay a visit. The talk about the repatriated family quickly turned to talk about Beyonce and Jay-Z's recent trip there.

In a sign of how much relations have changed, Garcia and his elderly visitor didn't mind the celebrity visit.

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